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Nestled amidst the bustling city of Saigon lies a unique cultural heritage: the Nghia An Assembly Hall, preserving the essence of Teochew architecture, culture, and spirit. Located at 676 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, the Assembly Hall stands as an enduring symbol, holding onto the memory of a vibrant immigrant community.
Nghia An Assembly Hall is a unique architectural landmark in Ho Chi Minh City that attracts tourists.
Admire the impressive architectural beauty.
Stepping through the majestic triple-arched gate, visitors feel as if they have entered another world, separate from the hustle and bustle of the city. The first characteristic feature of Teochew architecture is the soaring, gracefully curved tiled roof, meticulously decorated with ceramic pieces. Every small detail, from the majestic statue of two dragons fighting over a pearl on the roof ridge to the exquisite reliefs on the roof edge, reflects the talent and dedication of the artisans.
The door features intricately carved images.
Beneath the elaborately decorated tiled roof are a pair of symmetrically placed stone unicorns, and the pillars and beams are decorated with colorful and meticulous details.
A distinctive feature of Teochew architecture is the soaring, gracefully curved tiled roof, meticulously decorated with pieces of porcelain.
Stepping inside, visitors will be overwhelmed by the vast space, divided into several distinct areas. The main hall houses a majestic statue of Guan Yu, reflecting the reverence of the Teochew people for this hero of the Three Kingdoms.
Mr. Loc (from the Management Board of Nghia An Association) said: "Guan Yu is a famous figure in Chinese history during the Eastern Han Dynasty and lived during the Three Kingdoms period. For business people, worshipping Guan Yu is believed to bring divine support, ensuring smooth and successful business. Culturally, worshipping Guan Yu reflects a remembrance of one's roots and homeland."
The main hall is where important ceremonies take place, featuring vibrant murals depicting Chinese folk tales and history. It also houses many valuable artifacts such as horizontal plaques, couplets, decorative panels, and ceramic statues, all bearing the distinct mark of Teochew culture.
The Nghia An Assembly Hall is dedicated to Guan Yu, a heroic figure from the Three Kingdoms period, and is therefore also known as the Guan Emperor Temple or Ong Temple.
The design features are refined and the colors are beautiful.
The system of pillars and beams is characteristic of Chinese culture at Nghia An Assembly Hall.
Discover the ancient Teochew culture.
Nghia An Assembly Hall is not only a unique architectural masterpiece but also a repository of precious intangible cultural values. The Quan De Festival, held annually on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, attracts a large number of participants, showcasing their reverence and community spirit. Visitors here not only have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture but also to immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere, enjoy traditional dishes, and learn about the spiritual culture of the Teochew people.
This place is like a living museum, preserving the memory of a diverse immigrant community.
Having weathered numerous historical ups and downs, Nghia An Assembly Hall has preserved its architectural and spiritual values, becoming an unmissable destination for those wishing to explore Teochew culture in Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as a vibrant living museum, preserving the memories of a distinctive immigrant community and contributing to the city's diverse cultural landscape.
